September 4th 2025.
Shakira Zahiruddin, a custodian who is eight months pregnant, has recently come forward with allegations against Barnard College, an all-women's institution. In a press conference held at the TWU Local 264 Union office in Brooklyn, Zahiruddin expressed her disappointment in the college's decision to terminate her employment. She believes the institution deliberately let her go to avoid providing her with compensation during her upcoming maternity leave. As a mother of two, Zahiruddin is now faced with the immediate hardship of losing her income and health benefits, and she is worried about how she will support her family and manage the costs of motherhood alone.
During her press conference, Zahiruddin shared her disbelief that an all-women's college would make such a decision. She had always believed that the college stood for women's rights and equality. However, she now feels abandoned and worried about her future. Losing her job at such a critical time has left her feeling alone and anxious about how she will provide for her children and newborn.
According to Zahiruddin, the college violated seniority protocols and female rights by retaining a male custodian who was hired nearly four months after her. This decision has led Zahiruddin and the union to believe that the layoff was unjust and inhumane. The union is now demanding her reinstatement, full benefits, back pay, and a guarantee of her maternity leave. However, Barnard College maintains that the layoff was not due to Zahirruddin's health condition but was instead part of a college-wide restructuring affecting 77 full-time positions.
The college claims that the decision was driven by operational needs and followed union procedures. They also state that affected union members were informed of opportunities to reapply for open positions. However, it is unclear how Zahiruddin's seniority was overlooked in this process. For her, the timing of the layoff could not have been worse. Her salary and health benefits expired just six days after her release, leaving her with no income or coverage just before her expected delivery date.
The union's president, Joseph Rose, has condemned the college's actions, stating that they are only concerned with the monetary aspect and not the well-being of their employees. Zahiruddin's situation highlights the challenges faced by working mothers, especially during pregnancy and maternity leave. It is a reminder of the importance of fair and equal treatment for all employees, regardless of their gender or family status.
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